Clover Mama Afrika marked 25 years of making a difference in communities across South Africa by awarding its hardworking Mama Afrikas at a celebratory gala at The Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg in October 2026. The evening brought together the programme’s Mamas, donors, suppliers, partners and special guests to reflect on a journey that began in 2001 with just four women and has grown into a nationally recognised community empowerment initiative.

Held under the theme Rooted in Purpose, Leading with Heart, the celebration honoured the women who have been at the heart of the programme, as well as the many partners who have supported its work for over a quarter of a century.

2026 winners:

Mama Nolitha Ndalasi from Khayelitsha in the Western Cape was among the evening’s standout achievers, receiving the Skills Transfer Champion Award after recording 919 skills transfers during 2026. She was also recognised with the Employment Creation Award for creating employment opportunities for 436 people during the year. In addition, Mama Nolitha won both the Bernina SA Prize for Sewing and the Hair Academy Hub for her progress in Barbering.

 

Mama Rina Malan from Pretoria received the Growth and Progress Award for the financial growth achieved through her income-generating initiatives, while Mama Kedibone Miyambo from Hammanskraal and Mama Mary Lwate from Winterveld were recognised for their innovative approaches to developing new products and business opportunities.

The prestigious Clover Mama Afrika Ukwakha Isizwe awards were another highlight, with Mama Nolitha receiving Gold, Mama Sipiwe Solomons, from Hazyview in Mpumalanga, receiving  Silver and Mama Engelina Molete, from Dobsonville in Gauteng, receiving Bronze. This award recognises the overall success of a Mama which includes the number of people a Mama trains, the opportunities she creates for people to earn, and her ability to build an enterprise that is both profitable and sustainable.

The evening also acknowledged the donors, suppliers and partners who have contributed to the programme’s success. Their support, whether through funding, equipment, training, expertise or other resources, has helped the Mamas develop sustainable projects and create meaningful opportunities. The Clover SA Legacy Award recognised Clover’s own longstanding commitment to the programme since its establishment.

For Rika Haasbroek, Manager: Corporate Social Investment at Clover, the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the people and relationships that have made the programme what it is today.

“Twenty-five years is an extraordinary milestone, but what makes it truly special is the people behind it. Our Mamas are living proof of what can happen when women are given the opportunity to learn, grow and share their knowledge with others. Some of these women have been part of our journey for two decades, and their commitment to their communities remains as strong as ever. We are equally grateful to the donors, suppliers and partners who have believed in this programme and helped us turn opportunities into meaningful, lasting change.”

Since its inception, Clover Mama Afrika has appointed 60 Mamas, women who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others in their communities. Today,  Mamas from across eight South African provinces continue this work creating opportunities through skills development, early childhood development, food security, agriculture, sewing, baking and small business initiatives.

The programme is built on a simple but powerful principle: when women are given the skills and support to become self-reliant, they can pass that knowledge on and create opportunities for others. This approach has allowed the Mamas to build community initiatives that reach well beyond their own centres.

A highlight of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of the Clover Mama Afrika awards, recognising the achievements and contributions of Mamas across a range of categories, including skills development, employment creation, entrepreneurship, innovation and community leadership.

As Clover Mama Afrika looks ahead, its focus remains on developing practical skills, encouraging entrepreneurship and helping the Mamas build initiatives that can continue to support their communities for years to come.

The philosophy that has guided the programme since the beginning remains unchanged: I Learn. I Earn. I Teach. It is this passing on of knowledge, skills and opportunity that has helped shape Clover Mama Afrika’s legacy over the past 25 years and will continue to guide its work into the future.